Energy efficiency rules

Energy conservation and efficiency are subjects that seem to come and go, at least in the minds of consumers. But in industry, they're issues that are always front and center. And they will be all the more prominent in the next few years, according to engineers contacted by Design News editors.

The automotive and electric motor industries are leading the way with development projects that aim at producing breakthrough energy-conservation technology on several fronts. For example, the move toward 42V electrical systems for cars could very well result in major fuel savings. Likewise, fuel cells, originally developed for aerospace applications, could soon find their way into the family car, bringing with them even greater energy savings. And the motors that drive factory equipment and other products are getting more efficient all the time.

Indeed, several studies show that motor-driven systems consume more than 60% of the energy used in industry. Suppliers of those systems are working hard to lower that number:

Energy efficiency is coming to be seen as a must rather than a nicety. The updates on the following pages will show you what to expect in a few important applications.